Lena, it's been a year since you left us and this reminder brings a smile to my face as I remember you in high school. We were reading Countee Cullen's poem Incident, which in very simple, but eloquent words, describes how the memory of being called a racial hate word affected a young boy's memories of his vacation in Baltimore. When I explained how Langston Hughes had titled his collection of Black humor Laughing to Keep From Crying, you looked up at me, tears in your eyes, and said, "Miss Silveira, I know what he meant. I laugh a lot, especially when I want to cry."

I know that wherever you are, your eyes are sparkling with joy, and your laughter is ringing through the air. Thinking of you, my sweet girl.  Miss Silveira

I am so sorry for your loss. I have been knowing the family since I was a tike. Ms. Lena had a beautiful personality. She will be greatly missed🙏🏾

I love you Mama Lean , always and forever ❤  .See you 1 day at the pearly gates 🙏❤

Our condolences to your family. May God strengthen and comfort each of you.  Your family is in our prayers. 

Cynthia and Brenda White 

Some people will never know how they’ve touched the lives of others and it makes me sad that Lena is one of those people to me. I met her family and her as a child growing up in Ontario. MeMe used to braid my hair and Leslie was my best friend. Toy was the big sister to everyone including me whether she knew it or not. I secretly had a crush on Jason and ZZ seemed so much younger than us at the time. I am an only child and Lena had 11 kids. I would go to their house and play practically every day for years and be so envious of their family. They loved each other so much and had an indescribable, unbreakable bond that I think you must have to have siblings to understand. I always told myself I was going to have 11 kids because I wanted my family to be like theirs. Unfortunately I gave up after 1, because I ain’t about that life lol. But it makes me admire her even more that she had the strength and dedication to do that. She introduced me to church. I got saved for the first time attending church with her family. She was always nice and kept a clean, beautiful house. Always some kind of African art on the walls.  She was a God fearing woman so I know for sure she is now safe in the arms of Jesus. I haven’t seen her in years, but my memories of her are clear as day. Praying for strength for the family. 

Visitation

Funeral Service

Wilford Ross

Mary Melissa Richie

La Toya Ross- Myhand (Clemmint)

Me Chelle Edwards (Steve)

Leslie Roberts (Lee)

Zahiyah Clinton

Simeon Ross

Shawn Ross

Jason Ross

Mark Lowe

I'shad Lowe

Alena Gilbert

Mary Bowie- McPeters

Lena also leaves 13 grandchildren to cherish her memory.

Lisle Funeral Home

Lee Roberts

Israel Myhand

Shawn Ross Jr.

Lena Ross

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

Find Obituaries and Services

Send Flowers

featured article

What to Say When Someone Dies

Show Your Support

sympathy and etiquette

grief library

celebrations of life

Sympathy and Grief

obituary

services

memories

Obit Detail

In the care of

share to facebook

share by email

share link

Share Obituary

ideas and resources

Sympathy and Grief Mobile

OBITUARY

Lena Louise Bowie Ross

September 13, 1947 – November 10, 2021

Lisle Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services